Photo/TimesofIndia.com
NEW DELHI: The first match of the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was abandoned on Saturday after continuous rain prevented any play between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.Officials called off the game after conditions did not improve enough for kick-off, meaning the Super Eight stage began without a ball being thrown. The two teams were separated by one point each, which could affect their chances of advancing to the semi-finals.
Threat of rain adds to uncertainty ahead of Pakistan-New Zealand clash
The International Cricket Council (ICC) playing conditions for this tournament require a minimum of five overs per side for a result to be declared. The deadline for the abbreviated competition was set at 10:15 p.m., but the weather never cleared. With no reserve days in the Super Eights – they are only available for semi-finals and finals – the match was abandoned and “no result” was marked. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first amid a light drizzle, but the rain soon intensified, forcing the match to be abandoned.Before the washout, Pakistan made one change, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaj Nafay.New Zealand made three changes, with captain Mitchell Santner returning after missing the previous match against Canada with a stomach problem, Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi also included in the playing XI.The abandoned game made things tougher for both teams ahead of their remaining two Super Eight games. Another win or loss could seriously affect their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka are placed in Group 2 of the Super Eight stage. Pakistan will next face England in their next Super Eight match on February 24 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.New Zealand will remain in Colombo to face Sri Lanka on February 25.
